Burglars told: ‘We know what you look like...’

The owners of a Blackpool restaurant have warned burglars who broke into the premises that the whole town is helping to track them down.

Robert Wynne, who owns the West Coast Rock Cafe in Abingdon Street with wife Gaynor, says more than 100,000 people have viewed the CCTV footage which they have posted online – with several people independently identifying one of the men in the images.

CCTV footage from the West Coast Rock Cafe

Two men broke into the premises around 4am on Saturday morning, smashing through a fire escape and stealing petty cash from the premises.

Mr Wynne said: “The message to them is simple – we know what you look like.

“That’s because they were stupid enough to stand right on front of the CCTV camera so we have pretty good pictures of them – one in particular.

“People have been very supportive and the video has had more than 100,000 views online which is astonishing.”

The message to them is simple – we know what you look like

Robert Wynne

The restaurant is still open.

Mr Wynne added: “It is upsetting they took some petty cash but caused a lot of damage. But it won’t put us out of business. We have stayed open and will remain open.”

Police appeal for help to track burglars

Police said they received a call at 8.15am on Saturday morning to report the break-in, which CCTV timed at 4am.

Robert Wynne

A spokeswoman for police said two men had smashed their way into the restaurant through a fire exit, before searching the premises and stealing cash and a safe.

She said: “Anyone who can help with our enquiries is asked to mention log 357 of March 12.”

Calls can be made to police on 101, or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Calls can be made anonymously and there could be a reward for information leading to an arrest.